Tom A. Garnjobst
July 23, 1942 - February 17, 2015

" Tom is such an integral part of my childhood memories and I feel so fortunate to have had his friendship. That friendship began in first grade at Perkins Elementary School and I spent a great deal of my early childhood at the Garnjobst home as Tomâ?? â??and Dick were my closest friends. We had a wonderfully exciting and adventurous childhood---the kind about which books have been written and movies made. The kind that could not be duplicated today. Such as hitchhiking to the State Fair (without our parentsâ??'sâ?? permission or knowledge) at age 13 or so, missing our bus home (my fault), being picked up by the police late at night after walking to downtown Des Moines, spending the night in the bus depot with a donuts and milk breakfast (courtesy of the police), and a very memorial bus trip home (details left to Dick)â??;â?? â?? "inner tubing" down the Mississippi from island to islandâ??;â?? all night camping trips in Von's woods, etc. I believe Tom never forgot any of our escapades and he so enjoyed recounting them, often with ever so slight editorial liberties. Humor was a hallmark of his life and anyone who ever heard him tell a story could never forget his skill in making that story come alive. And if it was a funny one, the twinkle in his eyes and the chuckle at the end were unforgettable. Tom had a wonderful way of making you feel respected and important to him. He was a kind person, always polite, very analytical, and hard working. Tom was the kind of person you would want your own children to be. It is difficult to completely express my feelings about Tom (and the rest of the Garnjobst family)...I find words inadequate and space too limited. Tom was a blessed person...blessed to have had wonderful parents who imparted their wisdom, work ethic, kindness and decency to their children. The proof of that was to know Tom and to see the same in the rest of his family. I am certain he is enjoying a wonderful reunion with his parents and sister. Andâ??,â?? ifâ?? â??I am fortunate, some day I will again hear him tell another story, and see that twinkle in his eyes and hear that laugh....."

"I have know Tom and Dick as long as I can remember, but we really started to do things after Tom got out of the service. We hunted at Lake Odessa fish lake together and I could spend hours talking about the fun we had on trips to Montana, Colorado, Australia, Arkansas. Tom and I took a spur of the moment golf trip out west when we would see a course we would stop and play and we spent time at a cabin at Steamboat Springs at a friends, who is no longer with us. The views we seen from horseback riding, 6 wheeling, and an old jeep at the Williams Fork and Gore range and staying at Randy Winegard's Running W ranch and enjoying time with Chuck and Mimi Lamson. The fun we had showing our friends from Australia how roughing it in the old west was. One of them even brought a suit case of toilet paper because he thought they would be roughing it in an old shack. Tom and I hunted every day after he was in a car wreck (just before the season) and in a body cast. And Dr. Cappy Russell had Tom bring his shot gun to the hospital and cut on the cast until Tom could hold the gun in the proper position. Tom was the type of guy that would stop by and see if you needed anything, even if you did not, but always the first one there when you did. The time he spent with me while I was healing after my accident, taking me to the Dr. rides in the car, and bringing food. And we always talked about the good old days together. I'm so thankful for getting the opportunity to sit down with Tom and telling him how much he met to me and Joyce and for all of the good times and great memories. So many times we wait until someone passes and wished we had told the ones that mean so much to us how we felt about them. I know he will be missed dearly and left a hold in my heart. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Garnjobst family. Jay and Joyce Holley"

"Jim Garnjobst remebering his brother..... From the time that Tom & Dick were little guys they had a way of communicating with each other without saying a word. I noticed it when they were 5-6 years old and I was 10 years old. Initially they thought everyone could do it. Later when they were in their 20's we were working on a project and Tom handed Dick a hammer when Dick's back was to Tom and Dick reached back to grab the hammer. Never was there a word said. Over the years I noticed this same thing happen. When Tom was stationed in Korea with the Air Force Dick told Mom that Tom was not feeling good and subsequent letter from Tom reported that he had been in the infirmary with pneumonia. Dick whacked off the end of his finger in a meat processing machine and Tom wrote to Mom wanting to know what happened to Dick. Strange but true ---they could communicate without speaking and they also knew exactly how the other one felt about an issue or what the other was thinking."

"Bob Holland's Tom Garnjobst Memorial Service Following a fairly tough winter of 1961; nothing like what you are experiencing now, I had been with Jerry, Tom and Dick on Lake Wapello trapping beaver. What an experience! In late March, five young men from Southeastern Iowa enlisted in the United States Air Force, Tom Garnjobst, Larry Flaaten and Warren Lundquist from Burlington and Harry Pendergraft and Bob Holland from Fort Madison. After faithfully fulfilling his obligation, Tom went onto earn his bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb and become a productive member of the Burlington community. Most of the group have maintained a close friendship throughout the years. Seeing each other occasionally, on my visits to Iowa, and even playing golf together in Wichita Falls, during a visit Tom and Dick made here a few years ago. Safe Flight and God speed my friend. ROBERT HOLLAND Chief Master Sergeant, USAF Retired"

"What I remember most was Tom's ability to tell a good story, usually at my grandparents kitchen table drinking tea after dinner. He would get very animated when describing someone who got angry (often Grandpa). Whatever the story, he would laugh and have a big grin on his face afterwards. One of my best memories was a fishing trip on the Mississippi with Tom in 1989. After moving to various fishing spots, I finally hooked and landed a big one. We moved on and passed by Jay Holley's cabin. He was outside so we talked and I showed him my catch. I was quite satisfied. I headed home and before I got through the front door, my father asked how big the fish was. Jay had gone to "The Main" and reported to everyone on my big catch. To me that story captures a couple of great things: first, that Tom would take me fishing (and help me catch a nice fish); and second, that the diner was and is a great place to give and get information about what and how everyone was doing. However, that also meant you had better be on your best behavior since the entire town could be privy to everything. Joe Garnjobst - nephew"

"Most of you have never seen Tom and I have an angry word. It wasn't always that way. When we were young, we fought a lot. When we were probably 11 or 12, we would walk home from school for lunch. Mom would have everything ready for us to eat, because she was usually at one of the restaurants working. One day, I ran ahead and got in the house before Tom. I locked the door and preceded to eat with Tom watching through the window. I even embellished how much I was enjoying the food. Tom became so mad, he broke the window and unlocked the door. We probably settled it with a fight, but the next day Dad was home to meet us for lunch. On the table was two brochures from two different military schools, one in Michigan, and one in Missouri. His comment was 'I don't care who goes where, but your Mother and I have had it with the fighting. Work out who is going where, and we'll make the arrangements'. We knew Mom and Dad weren't kidding, so we drew up a truce. We couldn't even give each other hand signals (or finger)signals or the old evil eye from that point on. On a rare occasion, we would step outside and discuss a problem, but there was no physical contact or fighting. We both realized that this was the better way, and it stayed with us for the rest of our lives. I wish God could tell all the world leaders to get along or they will be sent to Military School. It worked for Tom and I. We saw things the same , usually did things the same way, and approached problems the same. We always ran any decision past each other, no matter how small. We probably didn't have to, but I know it made me feel better. Tom was a very special person, and I say that not because he was my twin, but because he made people feel better. There is a saying that when you leave this life, you will not be judged by the wealth you accumulate or any other accomplishments, but how you made people feel. He truly made anyone who knew him feel good. Hannah, Becca, David, Brynn, Ian and Aly will hear about Tom from people for the rest of their lives. That is a guarantee. We were lucky enough to have parents that were special also, so we heard about the good things they did for people. People have already told me that it must feel like a part of me died. They are right. He was a part of me and I will love and miss miss him until I finally join him. Tom, I can't say I love you more than you know, because you know how much I love and miss you. Until we meet again, watch over all of us. It was a wonderful ride, it just didn't last long enough. Dick "

"I grew up hearing stories about the twins from my mom, who was two years older and loved her brothers very much. One of my favorite stories is of other kids in the neighborhood standing under Tom and Dick's bedroom window and calling to them to come play, "Twiiiiiinnnnnnnsss!" My mom imitated the kids yelling to the twins in a high-pitched voice that was hilarious. Another favorite story is of when Grandpa left the twins in his relatively new car while he ran an errand. I think they were only five or six years old at the time. He returned to find that the twins had discovered the cigarette lighter and burned numerous circles into the dashboard. Tom was a great storyteller, with a wonderful, wry sense of humor. I loved getting his letters because he usually included a story about the family that I hadn't heard before, often about Grandma and Grandpa. He sent me calendars from the Main Lunch every Christmas. I passed three or four of them to my colleagues, who had heard all about the diner and pinned up the calendars in their tiny cubicles in New York. This year's letter accompanying the calendars included great grandma Rosie's dill pickle recipe. Tom wrote that he, Dick and my mom used to pick the cucumbers during the summers they visited Rosie and Al in Yankton, South Dakota. He also wrote that my husband's and my life had probably changed a bit since the fourth member of our family arrived in July, our baby Thomas. I loved this because it's an example of Tom's understated humor. He knew our lives had changed drastically! And I loved it because he said the "fourth member" - he was counting our beloved dog Daisy as the third. He also told me in the letter not to be afraid to dote a lot on Thomas on a daily basis, because the occasion only comes around once. He spoke from experience - he cherished his parents, siblings, brothers- and sisters-in-law, kids and grandkids, nieces and nephews, and all of the family dogs. After Grandpa died, he often ate dinner with Grandma, and the thought of the two of them chatting about their days and spending the evenings together still makes me happy, even though it's been a long time since they ate dinner together. He and Grandma were alike in some very big ways - they were deeply kind people, who looked after family, friends and neighbors. They were also gentle souls and knew that a good, hot bowl of soup could sometimes be more comforting than words. I feel lucky to have had Tom as my uncle. Beagan Wilcox Volz -niece to Tom Daughter of Karen Garnjobst Wilcox and Joe Wilcox"

"Dear Dick, Connie and The Garnjobst family, Noelle and I are heartbroken about the loss of Tom. We would be remiss for not sharing with you how we felt about him at this time. I met Tom 35 years ago when we moved to Burlington my senior year in high school and I think Noelle's relationship with him started about the same time. It didn't take long to recognize his extraordinary character. He was about as perfect and as beautiful as people get. I've always held him in such a great place in my heart because he set such an example of kindness, caring, giving, and tolerance. There are not enough good words to describe him. In my lifetime, there are few that I hold in such high regard, Dick is another. I'm extraordinarily proud to have known him. He represented how a person should live a good life. I take great solace that Dick was the one that found Tom because really, nobody else could. It was Dick that knew his brother wasn't where he supposed to be at that moment in time and knew he better go find him. I struggle thinking about that discovery but know it couldn't have happened any other way. When I first got to know Tom and Dick I considered them one. They talked alike, they looked alike and they were always together. I will always admire that relationship. What a joy it was to spend time with them when they were together. Tom was the kind of person I wish the world had more of. If the world was full of Tom Garnjobsts, we might call it heaven. We loved Tom dearly and will always cherish the time we spent with him. How perfect it is that we knew these two identically beautiful people. We are all blessed that we we still have one.... just like Tom. Be strong, Dick, we love you. With all of our love, Todd Hocking , Noelle Daly Hocking and family."

"Tom, one of those rare people who was always positive and made you smile when you met him. A friend for life and he will be missed. He will heard "A job well done good and faithful servant." Our prayers for Dick and Family. In His Hands. Lonnie Green"

"I have many fond memories of times spent together. I always strived to emulate Tom and Dick. "

"My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Many fond memories of times together."

"I am deeply saddened by Toms passing I always looked up to both Tom & Dick. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Special prayers for Dick it's a twin thing. Dave"

"I Known Tom for 50 years, So many Good Memories. My Brothers and I have are Tonsils Removed.Tom was There in recovery room,When I was 13 I was in a bicycle accident Tom visit me, First words Tom said was How you doing Evel Knievel, Tom was there for me and my friend"

" When I was in Burlington and had the time, I would look up Tom and Dick to catch up on their lives and reminisce. If time wouldn't permit a visit, I always thought I would catch up later, that is no longer the case and I am truly sorry for your loss. "

"I am so proud that I could call Tom my friend. They don't come any better than him and Dick. Thoughts and prayers to the family!!!! He will be missed!!!!"

"I had the privilege to know Tom & Dick through school and Tom again later as he worked at the IAAP. I don't think I could tell them apart in school and it was certainly much later in life where that distinction would settle on me. The blessings of growing older with people is noticing when their personality is comfortable around others and Tom was always that. In the last few years whenever my wife Rita and I would stop at Jerry's, Tom always came out and grabbed the stool next to me for a chat or slide in some of his dry humor.. One would miss that if he wasn't there at the time we stopped. To Jim, who was always so proud of "the twins" and to Dick, who must feel an overwhelming part of him died also I offer my condolences and prayers. Thanks for sharing Tom with us."

"My brother Don and I were always going to challenge Tom and Dick on the golf course so in 1995 we started the Carlson Brothers Golf Tournament. I don't remember who beat who,beat who,but it was always fun to play with the twins! I am unable to attend the funeral and Don is not feeling well,but you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We feel blessed to be of the many friends that Tom had."

"Tom will be missed , but never forgotton. He always had a hello for you when you entered the restaurant. He was one of a kind. A very fine gentleman, and a very good friend to have. My prayers go out to all the family. "

"Tom was truly a class person, with a friendly personality that mimicked his mothers. He will be missed by many. In addition to being a good friend, I also liked him 'cuz he was one of the few people who had ears as big as mine. The planet could use more people like him. "

"As an older cousin I remember Tom and Dick from nearly the beginning. On a trip they made to Spencer. Iowa, we could only tell them apart by one (not sure which one ) had a scab on the top of his head. When asked who he was, he would whip off the hat, show the top of his head ans say "I'm Tom." Worked good for a while. They spent nearly all there lives in Burlington and working with each other, Twins have a special bond and closeness. Tom had many friends, he had he genuine love of helping people. I called on him several times when I lived in Mt Pleasant to repair or fix ice machines installed for Old Threshers. He came day or night. He truly loved helping people. Tom enjoyed the river, many friends and the Burlington area. He will be remembered and truly missed. "

"Always a smile and hello will be Tom's memory for me. A genuine great guy! I worked with him at the IAAP and knew him from Burlington High School."

"Tom was a friend, a really good friend. The kind you don't have many of. I moved away from Burlington almost fifty years ago, yet memories of growing up on south hill remain fresh. But it wasn't just the twins. The entire Garnjobst family was a big part of life in those days. Tom came from good people. Anyone who knew Tom knows what I mean. The best times were boating on the Mississippi, hunting up at Odessa, camping at Indian valley or just cruising around town. Tom will be missed but those good times will last forever. "

"A great man whose smile and friendship will be missed. "

"One of the nicest, genuine person to have touched my life. Thank you Tom for some great memories & your friendship. You will be missed."

"I celebrate Tom's life, a truly good man. It has been my pleasure_."

"I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember Tom and Dick and I playing together at Frank Hungziner's cabin on the Mississippi River South of Muscatine, IA. We always found several ways of getting in trouble with the adults -- but that is what made it fun. May he rest in peace. "

" I'm going to be 80 on my next birthday, so I guess I've known Tom and Dick for roughly 65 years, and I have ALWAYS considered them both my little brothers. However, I couldn't tell them apart until Dick had a crown put on a front tooth. A guy that worked at the Main Lunch, Lynn, could never tell them apart, he'd just say 'Hi, Twain' (twin). One time, Tom was home on leave from the Air Force, and I ran into him in Gulfport. I talked him into going home with me to Macomb, where I was going to school. I got him a chow pass, among other things, and we had a pretty good time for a couple of days, until he realized he was supposed to have a date with some rich farmer's daughter that evening- big party and all. I went with him to hopefully explain his lateness as being my fault. When we got to the house, the party was over, along with any hope of romance. From an upstairs room, she yelled a couple of 'unpleasentries', and we left. The summer between my junior and senior years in college, I worked for Tuffy Hoffman at Matell Toys in the city of Industry, California, and I stayed with Jerry Davis in Newport Beach- when I got back , Tom met me at the bus station, and we went to Darwin Mehaffey's house where I bought a 56 Pontiac for 50 dollars, and Tom, that day, also got me a job where he was tending bar at Grandinetties in Gulfport- Darwin was the Club manager. What a year full of adventure that was. One New Years Eve, we had an ice storm- the only people in the place was 'Lonesome George', a customer, Bob Hill. Betty Grandinetti, Tom. myself, and the new band. With Betty's ok, we started spinning the drink rolodex, and whatever it came up, we fixed for everybody in the place- the band leader started crying, telling his girlfriend he wanted her to have a better 'life', etc. By that time, I think she really didn't care. I couldn't get my car doors open, so I rode with Tom to Burlington where we spent the night at my parent's house. I love Tom, Dick, and Connie, and their kids- they have been, and always will be, a part of my hearts family. That's just the way it is. Larbo "

" Tribute to Tom Garnjobst I was 17 and had just graduated from High school the summer of 1942, when my sister Jeanne & I came to Burlington to help our sister Marge at the birth of her twins Tom & Dick. They were active busy 3 year olds the next time I visited them & they were both full of energy as they kept my sister Marge very busy. They could finish each others sentences; they were so in tune with one another. Although our family had moved west while they were growing up, we were a close family & saw each other as often as possible. Tom had become dear to Grandmother Jordan through his letters to her from England, while he was stationed near the village of West Drayton, where she had lived as a child. He sent her pictures & stories of the town's history as well as his own experiences there, which endeared him to her, giving her a glimpse of past memories of life in England. They continued to keep in touch which gave her great pleasure throughout her life. Tom was often the designee assigned to pick me up from my plane trips back to Burlington to spend time with the family. We would catch up on life in Utah & Burlington along the way. What really made these trips so interesting were the conversations about everything from the latest book he was reading at the time to the subject of politics on which we sometime agreed to disagree. In recent years we have kept in touch once a month & shared thoughts on family & the world in general. He cared so for everyone from his sister & brothers to the children & their accomplishment. He was proud of the Main, especially when it was reviewed in a National magazine. Tom was a Great Friend as well as Nephew. His knowledge on a miriad of subject was really astounding & his warmth & grace will always be remembered by everyone who knew & loved him. I am going to miss our monthly visits so very much! Pat - his Aunt & Friend"

"My heart goes out to you Garnjobst's. As we all know, you couldn't find a better man. Lifting you up in prayer."

"Tom was a person who people remember for a life time. I went to grade school with him and carried warm memories of him throught my entire life. He will be missed but never forgotten. "

"Tom has been a special friend since grade school. We have shared many precious memories throughout the years.Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to Dick and all other family members. The Garnjobst family has held a special place in my heart with a precious footprint of God's blessing to all who were privileged to have known Tom and his family. He will be forever missed and may God Bless the family during this difficult time. We will see you again one day where there is eternal life. "

"When I was 22, Tom + Dick came into Pioneer Supply, where I worked as a counter man, to buy parts for their refrigeration business. not knowing anything I looked to Tom + Dick for advice. They were good examples , showing what hard work can do to make you a success. Later I owned my own company + they were my role models~!!! Funny, one time I asked Tom what he did in the winter as the work slowed down in colder weather? he told me, "tavern work" took me a while to figure that out as I took him to be serious but it was dry humor as he cracked a slight smile. He will be missed but I know we are eternal beings + we will all meet again in heaven. My condolences to all the family. I know it feels like a big boulder sitting on your shoulder now but you will feel slightly better after the funeral. Bob Borders Bob's Heating"

"There was hardly anybody that could be met with the term"FRIEND",as Tom could be.He seemed to be closer then a brother.I'll only"try"to remember our great times I spent with Tom,Larena,David,Hannah& Becca.I was very shocked& saddened when I heard on my public scanner Toms address,because I've always remembered Toms address,&just hated to hear"those I'll words"that I knew was about Tom.To all his family,you all are in my thoughts.If there's anything I can say or do to comfort you,just remember"I'll be there".I will drastically miss Tom,he was"always"closer then a brother.Please take care of each other.God be with you all."